'Walking Dead' returns Oct. 12

AMC's zombie drama stands on its own in order to keep fans guessing about who lives and who dies.

Hal BoedekerStaff writer

The fifth season of "The Walking Dead" starts Oct. 12, AMC announced Friday at Comic-Con in San Diego.

The zombie drama's 16 new episodes will air at 9 p.m. Sundays in two batches. The first eight hours will be in the fall; the final eight start in February.

"From the opening tease in the premiere onward, season 5 is without question the most ambitious and satisfying season this amazing team has ever crafted," said Charlie Collier, AMC president. "In the zombie apocalypse, event television is alive and well, and I am proud to acknowledge that this uniquely talented writing staff, production team and cast have once again raised the bar (and the crossbow)."

Of course, you'd expect the head of AMC to brag, but he has reason.

"Talking Dead," the popular post-show discussion hosted by Chris Hardwick, will air at 10 p.m. Sundays. "Comic Book Men" follows at midnight. The premiere of "Dead" and those two series will coincide with AMC's Zombie Apocalypse Week, from Oct. 6 to Oct. 12.

AMC Fearfest, which is marking its 18th year, will offer more than 70 films from Oct. 17 through Oct. 31.

What if you're a "Dead" fan who doesn't live in the United States?

AMC said "Dead" will be available in more than 125 Fox International Channels markets within 24 hours of the U.S. telecast.